Dodgers 2026 postseason outcome hinges on one big question

The Los Angeles Dodgers are approaching the MLB postseason firmly atop the NL West, as they're 80-51 entering games on Tuesday, August 25.

They've gained a bit of ground on the Atlanta Braves for a first-round bye, and if they can secure that, their postseason odds would increase significantly. But there is still plenty of uncertainty about the Dodgers despite their strong odds right now.

Grant Brisbee of The Athletic highlighted one big question for the Dodgers that could determine their postseason outcome. That question is a simple one: "How's everyone feeling?" Brisbee explained why this seemingly innocuous question is so important.

Why Dodgers big question of 'How's everyone feeling' is so important

"Tyler Glasnow is close to rejoining the rotation. Shohei Ohtani is throwing again. Will Smith is close to a rehab assignment," Brisbee writes. "The Dodgers still have a bullpen's worth of arms on the IL, and they'll be without Andy Pages for a while, but they're still in the montage sequence of the season."

The Dodgers might be in a good spot for the postseason right now, but when they get there, they really need to have the bulk of their roster ready to go.

Will Smith, Dalton Rushing, Andy Pages, Tyler Glasnow, and a lot of relievers are all out due to injury right now. Their futures could have a big impact on the Dodgers' postseason outcome.

The question of "How's everyone feeling?" seems simple, but there's a reason why it's such an important one for the Dodgers as they pursue a three-peat.

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They might have a superteam on paper and on the field more often than not. But if the players who make up this superteam aren't fully healthy, or are struggling through a slump like Kyle Tucker, then their postseason chances will be diminished.

Of course, the Dodgers are still World Series favorites. But if the Dodgers were somehow to have multiple key players all not feeling well, whether it's injury or simple on-field struggles, it's going to be hard to make a deep October run.

This question highlights how good of a situation the Dodgers find themselves in. They're not worried necessarily about one player struggling, as they can overcome such a thing with their stacked team.

Instead, the Dodgers need to be worried about the team's vibe, as heading into the postseason with no momentum could lead to a disappointing 2026 postseason outcome.

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